Finalist
Assessing Readiness for Radioligand Therapy in the UK
Funding came from Advanced Accelerator Applications, a Novartis company, with additional support from Nordic Nanovector
Summary of work
Radioligand therapy (RLT) is an innovative, highly targeted cancer treatment, which could theoretically be used to target radiation to any cancer with a suitable receptor. At the start of our project, RLT was approved for two types of cancer in the UK. However, political understanding of its value for patients was low, and there were many unmet needs and policy barriers to its use within the NHS.
Given RLT’s potential, expansion to other types of cancer was likely. New data was sorely needed to inform policy decisions around integration of RLT into cancer care, prepare the NHS for its expanded use, and ensure all eligible patients could benefit. We developed a peer-reviewed Readiness Assessment Framework with support from a multidisciplinary advisory group, and conducted qualitative and quantitative research to identify new data and insights from a wide range of stakeholders. We communicated our findings via a clear situation analysis report and concise policy action blueprint, and led policy engagement to drive progress on our evidence- and consensus-based recommendations. Our research has already increased awareness and fostered initial action among clinical societies and regulators.
Judges’ comments
The ‘Assessing Readiness for Radioligand Therapy in the UK’ submission impressed the judges with its effective use of data to lay foundations and drive change. It was a strong entry, data and insight driven with a clear strategy and fantastic outputs and outcomes.
